Install Minecraft Java Edition
Download and install the correct mod loader, such as Forge or Fabric
Open Minecraft once with the mod loader installed
Download mods that match your Minecraft version and mod loader
Open the Minecraft mods folder
On Windows, press Win + R, type %appdata%.minecraftmods, and press Enter
On Mac, open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, type ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods, and press Enter
On Linux, open ~/.minecraft/mods
If the mods folder does not exist, create it
Move the downloaded mod files into the mods folder
Launch Minecraft using the Forge or Fabric profile
Check the Mods menu in Minecraft to confirm the mods are installed
Keep all mods and dependencies compatible with the same Minecraft version
Back up your worlds before adding mods